Solar vacuum power generation tube blank

What is a solar vacuum tube?

Solar vacuum tubes are made up of two layers of glass with a vacuum in between, kind of like a Thermos. Naked Energy claims that its Virtu products are three to four times more efficient than traditional PV solar panels, and ELM calls Naked Energy a developer of the “world’s highest energy density solar technology” in its news announcement.

What are naked energy's rooftop vacuum tubes?

Naked Energy's rooftop vacuum tubes are similar in construction to traditional solar vacuum tubes. They unveil two products: VirtuHOT, which heats water only, and VirtuPVT, which combines photovoltaic and thermal technology to generate electricity and heat from a single solar collector. VirtuPVT vacuum tubes. Image used courtesy of Naked Energy

How does a rooftop solar vacuum tube work?

The water is heated in a heat pipe placed inside the vacuum chamber. And as the pressure is less inside the vacuum tube, water boils at low temperatures. Naked Energy's rooftop solar vacuum tubes generate heat as well as electricity. They use the same collector for photovoltaic mechanisms and thermal conversion.

Will naked energy's solar vacuum tubes be sold in the US?

UK-based solar tech developer Naked Energy’s rooftop solar vacuum tubes, which produce both electricity and heat, will soon be sold in the United States. Peoria, Illinois-headquartered ELM Companies, a US energy storage and microgrid specialist, is funding Naked Energy, along with banking giant Barclays and US venture capital firm Big Sky Partners.

What is a vacuum tube solar water heater?

Furthermore, the HYDROSOL VT58 Solar Evacuated Tubes can be incorporated into a vacuum tube solar water heater system to provide efficient hot water supply. A vacuum tube solar water heater allows for evacuated tubes to maximize heat absorption and minimize heat loss, making them highly effective in cold climates.

Will solar vacuum tubes overtake flat-plate collectors?

Market analysts report that the growth of solar vacuum tubes is increasing exponentially and will most likely overtake flat-plate collectors in the next 5 to 10 years. Naked Energy's rooftop vacuum tubes are similar in construction to traditional solar vacuum tubes.